RoadVitals

2010 Dodge Journey Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
987
Latest Jul 9, 2026
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
34
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
9
Reports on file since Mar 20, 2010

What this page shows

Our database holds 987 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Dodge Journey. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 987 · page 1 of 40

Filed Jul 9, 2026
1 injury reported

I was backing out of the driveway. Pulled forward to a two-way stop and my driver side headrest exploded and shot my head forward and I almost went in a two-way traffic. Now I have whiplash

NHTSA ID
11749246
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 18, 2026

Car since bought either won't start or fails to come out of gear then stalls out in reverse or randomly in intersections I have small children and it's dangerous and several mechanic cant figure it out. Replaced batteries starters and issue continues

NHTSA ID
11744916
Incident
Jan 24, 2024
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Apr 20, 2026

This situation is occurring more and more often with this vehicle. The vehicle will be in drive, moving, and in the middle of a road or highway just shutdown completely. It happened 4 times 2 weeks ago. Brought to a auto mechanic and nothing could be discovered to be malfunctioning.

NHTSA ID
11732518
Incident
Apr 10, 2026
ElectricalSteering
Filed Mar 26, 2026

My horn started to honk on its own the front windshield wipers will not stop and the turn signals does not work anymore I was told the clock spring needs replaced there is a recall on google but now showing with my vehicle

NHTSA ID
11727297
Incident
Mar 4, 2026
Filed Jan 31, 2026

The ignition fob messed up on me and won’t start the key fobs not reading it shuts off

NHTSA ID
11714702
Incident
Jan 16, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jan 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the horn engaged unintendedly while driving. The contact stated that the failure persisted even while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The vehicle was taken to AAA several times, and the battery and the battery terminals were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11712439
Incident
Jan 21, 2026
Mileage
200,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Oct 22, 2025
Crash reported

vehicle repeatedly fails to start because of ignition system defect I have to wiggle or finesse the key fob in the ignition slot to get the car to start. The problem has happened many times. The first time I crashed into my shed I was so scared. and now the vehicle will not start at all leaving me in my family straight on the roadside I am aware of existing recall RO3 for the ignition switch wind module on this model year my vehicle either was not repaired or still exhibiting the same defect after prior service. This is a safety issue because it leaves driver stranded unexpectedly and may also cause the ignition to shut off while driving I request an HSTSA investigate further or ensure the manufacturer repair repairs this issue under recall.

NHTSA ID
11695022
Incident
Jul 13, 2025
Airbags
Filed Sep 17, 2025

Faulty active head restraints in both front driver and passenger seats, causing both units to deploy while driving, causing my driver to temporarily lose control of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11687796
Incident
Sep 17, 2025
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Aug 30, 2025

I was sitting, idling in my car when my active headrest restrain system in my passenger seat suddenly went off. I am lucky no one was in my passenger seat and that I wasn't driving at that time. I looked more into it and it looks like the plastic encasing the metal bar which holds the headrest together snapped. Googling online I saw that this is a common issue with dodge, jeep, and Chrysler cars. I am now worried my driver side active headrest restraint system could go off while I am driving and cause an accident, as the passenger one definitely flew forward fast when it snapped.

NHTSA ID
11684112
Incident
Aug 24, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 24, 2025

It all started with no starts and had starter replaced and then charging problem had new battery and alternator replaced . Then driving to work all the dashboard lights lit up like a Christmas tree and died a couple of times once in the middle of the road . Even when the car was in park and key out of the ignition the lights on dashboard would light up , like the car never totally shut off?Replaced ecm afterwards thinking that was the problem but wasn’t the case (I still have the original ecm unit ) and still there was a battery drain , driving it and the lights lit up the dashboard and stalled out . You can here a buzzing sound after the car if off and key is removed ?

NHTSA ID
11668926
Incident
Feb 26, 2025
Electrical
Filed May 31, 2025

Since buying my car, it has completely shut off while driving down the street 3 times with the key still in the run/on position. When it has done this I've lost power steering, power braking and complete power loss. The 3rd time this happened while I was taking my children to school and almost caused us to crash so I called a local locksmith, because I thought it was my key because the remote functions (lock, unlock, panic, and remote start) had stopped working also, paid for a new key and programming, only to find out it wasn't just the key, it was also the wireless ignition node module was defective too so I had to have it replaced and programmed as well. The locksmith asked my permission to disassemble the WIN module to inspect it for the cause of the problem and he said that there was a bad contact point inside that was breaking connection and causing the shutdown. I had to pay $1000.00 for these parts and service and I no longer have access to the module that was originally in my car since he took it apart. Thank God I managed to avoid any accidents when these incidents happened. The first time was in March of 2025

NHTSA ID
11664129
Incident
May 20, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jan 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact sated while driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact made a left turn and the brakes seized. The contact stated that the ECS, engine check, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics where it was determined that the brake hose was leaking, and an unknown hose had detached. The vehicle was repaired for the most recent failure. The remained at the residence and had not been driven since. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11635339
Incident
Aug 26, 2024
Steering
Filed Dec 20, 2024

I went to go start my vehicle to commute home from work and had no power steering. I did some research and saw that my vehicle model from 2007-2016 was recalled for this issue

NHTSA ID
11631858
Incident
Dec 20, 2024
Interior & seats
Filed Oct 22, 2024

My active headrests on the front seats have suddenly sprung, i.e. they have opened up. The car was parked in my yard, no other vehicles around, no accident/fender bender. I went out one day and the headrests were both opened up. This is a known problem for Dodge (at the time it happened, I researched) and they did extend the warranty for ten years; however, my vehicle is a 2010 so past that extended warranty. This is an expensive fix. I am a senior on a fixed income and wonder if there is any way to remedy this problem?

NHTSA ID
11621351
Incident
Sep 5, 2024
Electrical
Filed Aug 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the horn inadvertently honked. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID
11606577
Incident
Aug 5, 2024
Mileage
140,000 mi
Filed Jul 17, 2024

1. Driver headrest was broken while car was in driveway. I found the headrest broken and then reported to nhtsa. org after reading some Dodge forums

NHTSA ID
11602939
Incident
Jul 24, 2022
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 12, 2024

I have been stranded in this vehicle to many times to count. Mostly I had to get a jump to get it back home or keep it running until I returned home. Within the last 30 days I have installed a new alternator and starter. Walmart has installed 4 new batteries due to it being under warranty. So as of today I can't start my car. All the interior lights come on and radio but won't turn over. I tried to get a jump 3 times but still nothing. I am disabled and can't get on public transportation or barely walk up stairs. I'm at zero income and awaiting approval from SSI. So I need someone to assist with this nightmare please. I honestly don't know what else to do

NHTSA ID
11601593
Incident
Jan 1, 2023
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 9, 2024

Fuse box is going bad. Rear windows, front mirrors don’t let up or down. 12V doesn’t work. Horn went out. Automatic key lock doesn’t work. Fuse will completely go out soon.

NHTSA ID
11587780
Incident
Mar 11, 2023
BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 22, 2024

COMPONENT malfunction: ABS control module (module is part of the Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control System). Available for inspection: Upon Request. Safety risk: Random locking of front abs system at speeds of 20mph or less (GREAT concern for event happening at a greater speed ). Vehicle Manufacturer: admits known risk and problem w/ the Abs control module and traction control system and is researching problem-matic modules, but will they not issue a recall. part is not available . Warning lamps were after the first event (3-13-24): ESP and Traction control. videos are difficult to catch do to the random nature of the problem.

NHTSA ID
11584626
Incident
Mar 13, 2024
Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2024

Unknown. This vehicle is great if it would stay running. I drive it about 15 min than it just shuts off and won't restart until it cools down . I've had it checked and replaced camshaft and crankshaft and the throttle potionsensor and it continues to shut off while driving. It's very irritating it could cause a accident and also leave someone stranded. No codes pop up anymore but it still has that problem

NHTSA ID
11571254
Incident
Feb 10, 2024
Filed Feb 5, 2024

Park / Natural switch, from my understanding there is no recall, but I have had some close encounter driving and my car just shuts off, I was told its the park/neutral switch., have to throw it in park foot on the brake try to put it in neutral and throw it back into park and start he engine. ugh.

NHTSA ID
11569948
Incident
Jan 17, 2024
Electrical
Filed Feb 5, 2024

horn goes off periodically, even after changing the fuels.

NHTSA ID
11569937
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 2024

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering was inoperable. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the failures had been intermittent for the past two years. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

NHTSA ID
11567057
Incident
Feb 15, 2022
Mileage
105,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 15, 2023

Horn randomly blows while driving and while parked with engine off. Only solution is to remove fuses to disable horn. No way to blow horn now to alert other drivers of a dangerous situation.

NHTSA ID
11560387
Incident
Apr 5, 2023
Electrical
Filed Dec 15, 2023

The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I (and several other owners of a Dodge Journey vehicle) have noticed the horn sounding randomly. Myself and others with the same complaint believe it to be a faulty/failing Horn Contact Switch, located in the steering wheel. (I believe it is MOPAR part # 5189428AC ) The safety concern is that horn sounds randomly. When this happens while stopped at red lights, motorists in front of me tend to rapidly accelerate into cross traffic. I believe the safety concern is self explanatory. As it is a random occurrence, it has not been confirmed by a dealership. (Though there are countless videos posted to YouTube as well as complaints posted to message boards.) There are no warning lamps or indications that a connection is faulty/failing. According to my research, this has been an ongoing issue for Dodge Journey owners for several years.

NHTSA ID
11560371
Incident
Dec 15, 2023

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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